Betsey Johnson's Retro Tankini

The swimsuit Tankini just got sexier with Betsey Johnson’s flirty new take on this piece — the Retro Tankini from her “Fever” collection.

We just can’t say how much we adore this festive Betsey Johnson tankini that blouses out into a semi-skirtini over a peek-a-boo, cheeky hipster bottom. It’s a mod beach look that incorporates a cosmopolitan mix of old Hollywood glamor and haute couture.

It also gives you the best of both worlds. It’s a swimsuit that looks like a One Piece but is really a two piece in disguise. And the high quality bra top construction on this suit is unmistakably Betsy.

Our hats off to Betsey Johnson for making the tankini functional and feminine!

Mischa's Mod Monokini

We knew it was just a matter of time before we saw one of our favorite swimwear celebs, Mischa Barton, looking like she’s hot off the cover of Sports Illustrated.

And we’re willing to bet she’s wearing an Anna Kosturova monokini crochet creation — either that or a near replica of it! One thing’s for sure, that stunning One Piece is working wonders on Mischa’s tall and curvacious frame.

We love the way she paired this lovable one piece with a funky summer hat and easy denim shorts with cute pockets on the front. Let’s face it, Mischa doesn’t ever have to get wet in this sexy swimwear.

This beautiful handmade crochet piece works it’s magic long before the waves ever touch it. Whether you take it for a swim, or wear it dry for looks only, we think you’ll look as fabulous as Mischa does.

You might also try wearing this fun monokini like a one-piece bodysuit by pairing it with a colorful summer skirt. Just slip on some esparadrills and you’ve got a hippie-inspired outfit, perfect for the mall.

Photo: Courtesy of People.com

Salinas Sets the trend for 2009

When it comes to cutting-edge, high-fashion swimwear with a playful twist, fashionistas and celebrities alike count on Salinas for the hottest swimwear designs in the industry.

This summer at the Miami Swimwear Show in July, we got a bird’s eye view of Salina’s stylish swimsuit fashions that likely set the trend here in sexy South Beach and at other metropolitan beach destinations around the globe.

We’re excited about the Salinas 2009 Collection! The brand has gotten back to a theme of youthful, bright prints with a lot of detail. The feel is young yet Sophisticated at the same time.

While incorporating new elements, Salinas stays true to their signature styles — creating hip, mismatchy and in-the-moment suits that embody the perfect blend of upscale chicness.

Express Yourself in Cover Style Swimwear

Cydi Lauper said it best in her song, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” — and the same essence of summer fun is captured in Cover Style Swimwear’s 2009 collection.

We always expect youthful, vibrant colors and novel designs that appeal to the carefree nature of the surfer girl. Cover Style stays true to character, but also explores some exciting new themes in their swimwear designs.

This adorable bikini draws its inspiration from the Rastafarian colors. We see neon yellows and greens all blending in harmony with red and black in an expression of one love.

The bikini top is an adjustable tunnel Bandeau that gathers on the sides and ties in the neck and back for a perfect fit. This fun-loving two piece is just one of many whimsical swimsuits characteristic of the Cover Style brand.

Designed and manufactured in right here in Miami, Florida, Cover Style Swimwear has established itself as a trendsetter. Expect to see more bold colors that incorporate a mix of Caribbean culture, surfer attitude and feminine charm. What’s not to love with Cover Style?

Hello Kitty's Mono"kitty"kini

Sleek and sexy monokinis are the new sweethearts in the swimwear industry. And now the popular Hello Kitty swimwear brand is riding the one-piece wave with their Junior’s Swimwear Cruise Collection for 2009.

We think this monokini (which we’ve nicknamed the monokitty) from the Hello Kitty “Pop Purrfect” line will have more than nine lives this season!

It’s a stunning black and grey striped Bandeau top accented with the to-die-for Hello Kitty logo. The top connects to the bikini bottom with a single solid centerstrip that shows off curvy hips.

We got a first-hand look at this One Piece at the Miami Swimwear show in July, and it looks even better in person.

The monokini trend is so hot that fashionista Paris Hilton ran a nationally televised ad wearing nothing but a now infamous monokini.

She’s been spotted in other stylish monokinis as well. Hmmm… now what was that ad about again?

OndadeMar Sets the Fringe Fashion

Ride ‘em cowboy! Ondademar headed out to the wild wild west for a piece of good old fashioned cowboy inspiration in their 2009 swimwear collection — the fringe look.

One look at OndadeMar’s sexy string berry bikini from her Love Solids line — part of her Celebration Collection — is all it takes to be smitten with this Sophisticated two piece.

Of course, the centerpiece of this hot little number is the cowboy fringe that beautifully frames the bikini top. The top is also accented with a gold-ring detail in the center. Long, strappy tie sides accent the bikini bottom to complete the look of Latina cowgirl with a little urban flair.

We love that OndadeMar’s luxury swimsuits are handmade and designed with a Latin influence. And those fringes won’t wrinkle when you wash them, they’ll still keep their shape and hang correctly. They look, handle and feel like real cowboy fringe.

Yes, fringes are definitely a swimwear fashion trend. Expect to see more Western motif themes from your favorite swimwear designers in 2009.

Bikini Trend: Pairing Off-Beat Prints

Say goodbye to matching Solid bikini tops with perfectly matched bikini bottoms — the new look in swimwear is all about pairing unconventional mod print tops with bold patterns, stripes or solids.

We spotted this model sporting a chic and strappy Lost Volcom two piece at the Miami swimwear Show in July. She’s wearing a retro-inspired, multi-colored, quilt-print Halter bikini paired with a black and white hipster bottom with long, strappy tie sides.

We love the freedom this gives us in pairing bikini tops with different bikini bottoms that you didn’t necessarily purchase together. In fact, Salinas captures this look of pairing eclectic prints and colors.

Take a look at her Tango Ruffle bikini that pairs a fabulous triangle print top with a tropical themed bottom. The Hoola Ruffle bikini also veers away from the “perfectly matched” traditional bikini look.

But Salinas really sets the theme of pairing eclectic prints with her Fashion Show Banana bikini! We think it’s an easy showstopper at the beach.

And this swimwear trend is hot in Hollywood too. Singer Rihanna absolutely sizzles in a zebra-striped, Bandeau/halter paired with a mod-print bikini bottom.

Body Glove Fits Like A Glove

Move over double-oh-seven, there’s a new Bond Girl in town… and she’s oozing sex appeal in a skin-tight Body Glove “Jane Yellow” one-piece.

We absolutely adore this sporty, sleek one-piece swimsuit. It’s perfectly suited for active girls who love to surf and do things like scuba dive, but it also works fine for beach bunnies who just enjoy looking good at the beach in a swimsuit that hugs all their curves.

In this swimsuit, bright yellow is contrasted with jet black Neoprene detail — a color combination that will definitely get you noticed. The chic hipster belt gives this swimsuit a certain Bond Girl feel. Think Halle Berry emerging from the sea in that striking Belted bikini in the James Bond movie, “Die Another Day”.

Another perk about Body Glove suits — they’re built with recreational water enthusiasts in mind. Their suits have a special “vapor” technology that keeps you dry even when you are in the water. Instead of absorbing water, the vapor causes the material to repels water from the swimwear, so you still feel dry!

If you’re feeling gutsy, like the gold-medal winners from the U.S.A. Olympic Women’s Beach Volleyball team, opt for a barely-there bikini to showcase your beautiful toned body on the beach.

Esprit's Gone Wild… With Safari Prints

You don’t have to go to the Amazon for this look… you can show your wild side on your next vacation by wearing swimwear with stylish and exotic prints.

We couldn’t take our eyes off this striking halter safari print bikini by Esprit. It was among the many bold and colorful swimsuits debuted by Esprit this summer at the Miami Swimwear Show.

Guess also has a similar safari-inspired string bikini that’s sure to make men go wild.

And this zebra-inspired bikini by Lisa Lozano will hold all the boys on the beach captive with your every move.

You might not rule the jungle, but you’ll be the queen of the beach in this sexy, untamed, animal print halter two piece by Salinas.

When it comes to unleashing your primal potential at the beach, swimwear with leopard print, zebra stripes and/or animal prints will do the trick.

Red Carter: South Beach's Bikini Maverick

These days, South Beach swimwear designer, Red Carter, is almost as famous as his glamorous swimsuit creations and the celebrities who wear them.

Red Carter unveiled his 2009 collection this summer at the Mercedes-Benz Swimwear show in Miami. The 35-year-old designer was also named the “Mercedes-Benz Presents” talents for his swimwear innovation.

Earlier this year, Red Carter received another distinction of honor when Project Runway host Heidi Klum graced the pages of Sports Illustrated alongside funnyman Will Ferrell. Heidi sported several Red Carter swimsuits including his sexy, multi-colored “Navajo” bikini.

And Red Carter doesn’t disappoint with his 2009 collection. Drawing inspiration from the Roaring ’20s, he incorporates a mixture of contemporary and retro-style bikinis, cut-out monokinis, maillots and “old Hollywood” glamour bathing suits.

Photo courtesy: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week